Jesus proposes new categories for...

Jesus proposes new categories for determining success and failure, winning and losing, and achievement and fulfillment. We get an inkling of what setting our minds on divine thoughts really implies ... it means giving attention to the least in such a radical way that we become the least. But in a status-conscious world, can we conform to Jesus' ways? Even his closest disciples missed the mark. If we become discouraged by seeing our own thoughts and actions reflected in the disciples, we can take heart that they were reclaimed following the resurrection and set by Jesus to a new task.

Keith Hewitt

Wilton Lewis stood with his hands on his hips, studying the sanctuary wall, not trusting himself to speak. He wanted to spit, was thwarted by the fact that he was inside, and instead swallowed hard and said, “This is vile. Disgusting and vile.” He turned to his right and added, “I apologize, Reverend Cashmore. This does not represent the good people of Port William. You know that, I hope.”

Frank Ramirez

Since Albert Einstein is considered the genius above all geniuses, he is often credited quotes he never said. (If Einstein said it, it must be true.) That includes the saying that insanity is defined as doing the same thing again and again and expecting to get a different result. Actually, it wasn't until the 1980's that he was first connected to that saying, but it doesn't matter who actually said it, because these three scriptures seem to validate the saying.

David Kalas

Seven years ago, our family moved from southern Virginia to northeast Wisconsin. As you might expect, spring comes later here. Fall comes earlier. And winter is a much different experience in northeast Wisconsin than it was in southern Virginia. The same temperatures that seemed bone-chilling in Virginia are good reason to leave the mufflers and mittens at home in Wisconsin. Of course, many of the retired folks in my congregation here take their cue from the geese and fly south for the winter each year.